Launched in 2012 in partnership with the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, Net Impact and Clinton Global Initiative University, Up to Us empowers the millennial generation to build a prosperous future by equipping them with training and resources to help them become young leaders that drive change in their communities.

Haysley and LSC-Tomball Political Science Professor Patrick Gilbert will help guide LSC-Tomball students during the competition.

The competition, according to Haysley, empowers students across the country to raise awareness and engagement on America’s fiscal challenges. By voicing their concerns about America’s fiscal and economic future, the winning team will receive a $10,000 prize, recognition at the Peter G. Peterson Foundation’s 2018 Fiscal Summit in Washington, D.C., and the opportunity to travel to meet with legislators and policymakers in the nation’s capital. Representatives from each of the top 20 finalist teams will also join the winners in D.C.

“We can become a finalist by hosting events and sharing information about our nation’s debt,” Haysley said. “We receive points for the events we host. The more points we receive, the better chance we have of winning the overall cash prize.”

Haysley said LSC-Tomball’s team of students will kick off their first event on October 24 at this year’s fall music concert: A Halloween Spooktacular.

“We’ll be talking about something spooky, our national debt, at the Spooktacular,” Haysley chuckled. “We will have a fun, creative way to talk about the national debt.”

Since the competition’s inception, the Up to Us initiative has reached more than 100,000 people about the national debt through creative campaigns and activities. Students from more than 125 colleges and universities across the country are expected to participate. This year’s finalists and winner of the competition will be determined by a panel of judges from various public policy groups.

Lone Star College-Tomball is located at 30555 Tomball Parkway, at the intersection of SH 249 and Zion Road. For more information about the college, call 281.351.3300 or visit LoneStar.edu/Tomball.

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Known for its leadership, innovation and steadfast commitment to student success, Lone Star College provides high-quality academic transfer and workforce education/career training programs to more than 83,000 credit students each semester, and a total enrollment of 95,000 students. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to promote student success and economic prosperity. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., is the chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area, which consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.